Southampton Youth Bureau Advocates for Tobacco Control

November 17th marked the American Cancer Society's annual Great American Smokeout. This day focused on helping people to quit smoking or using other tobacco products.

Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island partnered with teens from Southampton Youth Bureau in recognition of the Great American Smokeout. The Teens created quit packages to support people looking to quit using tobacco. Each packet contained mints, educational and resource pamphlets. The teens also wrote encouraging handwritten messages to be included in the kits.

“The teens wanted to be a part of establishing a positive change in their community and thought using this day to encourage people to make a plan to quit would be an empowering experience” said Tracy Kolsin, Assistant Director, Town Of Southampton Youth Bureau “While progress has been made in New York State to lower smoking rates, the fight is not over."

The teens also educated the community about the benefits of establishing tobacco-free parks, beaches and playgrounds in the Town of Southampton. These recreational areas should be places that families can go to enjoy the outdoors. Tobacco litter is also hazardous to children and wildlife. After interacting with community members while collecting signatures, the teens observed that supporters felt strongly that playgrounds, parks and beaches should be places that people can breathe fresh air and exercise smoke-free in the Town of Southampton.

Currently over 460 municipalities in New York State have passed regulations restricting tobacco use in outdoor recreational areas. To learn more go to Breathefreely.org.